Distillery & Whisky News May 2026
Hello whisky lovers, and welcome to our May edition of Distillery and Whisky News.
May is National Whisky Month, and so there’s no better time to explore what’s new across Scotland’s distilleries, experiences and drams. This month’s edition is packed with inspiration - from our podcast with Pulteney Distillery to a must-visit experience in Edinburgh not to mention a chance to win a bottle of Arran’s Sauternes Wine Cask Finish.
We’ve also lined up our latest Distillery of the Month, a Malt Of The Month worth adding to your shelf and a cocktail twist you’ll want to try at home.
Whether you’re planning your next whisky tour, looking for your next favourite dram or entering this month’s competition, there’s something here for every whisky lover. Dive in and explore what’s new this May.
Until next time...
Distillery Of The Month: 8 Doors
Perched on the dramatic coastline at the very northern edge of mainland Scotland, 8 Doors Distillery is one of the country’s most exciting new whisky destinations. Established in 2022, it has already made its mark as one of the most northerly mainland Scotch whisky distilleries.
Inspired by the local legend of Jan de Groot and his octagonal house with eight doors, the distillery blends heritage and modern craftsmanship into every part of its identity.
Visitors can expect an intimate, behind-the-scenes experience, exploring the full whisky-making journey from mashing and fermentation through to distillation and cask maturation. Tours finish in a beautifully positioned tasting room, where guests can sample the distillery’s new make spirit alongside its evolving range of Seven Sons whiskies and other small-batch releases.
While its own single malt continues to mature, 8 Doors offers a glimpse into the future of Highland whisky -with a focus on a sense of place shaped by its rugged coastal surroundings. Add in a welcoming whisky lounge, cocktails and panoramic views, and it’s a destination that needs to be on your to-do list this summer.
Find out more about 8 Doors Distillery at its dedicated pages on the DistilleryTours.scot website.
Venue of the Month: Ardbeg House
Set on the rugged shores of Islay in Port Ellen, Ardbeg House offers a whisky experience that goes far beyond the glass. Blending boutique luxury with the unmistakable character of one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries, it’s a destination designed for those who want to fully immerse themselves in island life.
With just 12 individually themed bedrooms and suites, each inspired by Islay’s stories and heritage, the house delivers an intimate and memorable stay. Guests can enjoy exceptional food at the Signature Restaurant, where the best of the island’s larder is brought to life with an Ardbeg twist, while the Islay Bar provides a relaxed setting for drams, cocktails, and conversation.
Located just a short distance from the legendary Ardbeg Distillery, Ardbeg House offers guests the opportunity to dive deeper into the world of smoky Islay whisky, with tours and tastings often included as part of the experience.
From curated interiors crafted by local artisans to daily rituals like whisky hour, every detail is designed to connect visitors with the heritage and character of this remarkable island.
Find out more about Ardbeg House on its dedicated page at the DistilleryTours website.
Experience of the Month: Scotch Whisky Experience Gold Tour
We recently visited the Scotch Whisky Experience on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to enjoy their Gold Tour. This immersive whisky experience offers a fantastic introduction to Scotch whisky, taking visitors through the production process, Scotland’s five whisky regions, and the art of blending before finishing with a guided tasting and access to one of the world’s largest whisky collections.
This has to be one of the best places in Edinburgh to begin a whisky journey, whether you’re completely new to whisky or looking to deepen your understanding before exploring distilleries across Scotland.
Date With A Dram: Arran Sauternes Wine Cask Finish
For May's Date With A Dram competition we've a bottle of Arran's Sauternes Wine Cask Finish up for grabs!
This sweeter side of Arran Single Malt makes an ideal dessert dram with complementary notes of apricots, melon and honeysuckle. To achieve this rich partnership, the traditional Arran Single Malt is matured in oak casks for eight years and is then finished in a selection of Sauternes wine casks.
Competition Time
To be in with a chance of winning a bottle of Arran Sauternes Wine Cask Finish simply follow DistilleryTours.scot on Facebook or Instagram and share our 'Date with a Dram' post dated 1 May. The lucky winner will be chosen at random and announced in our June newsletter!
Congratulations to Paul Crumpton from the South of England who won April's competition - a bottle of Bladnoch's Samsara Single Malt.
You must be 18 years old or over to enter. Please note, will never approach you for your credit card details or personal information, send you friend requests or ask you to click on a link. Please stay safe online and remember to drink responsibly.
Malt of the Month: Glen Scotia 12 Year Old
Glen Scotia 12 Year Old stands proudly at the heart of the distillery’s core range, embodying its unmistakable signature style. Matured exclusively in the finest first-fill bourbon barrels, it delivers vibrant depth and richness, shaped by a distinctive coastal influence - fresh sea air and maritime character woven into every sip.
Perfect Serve: Velvet Old Fashioned
At Port of Leith, they love whisky and they love sherry - so naturally, they created a twist on an old classic: the Velvet Old Fashioned. The result is a cocktail that’s effortless to make at home and impossible to make only once.
Podcast: Pulteney Distillery
In this episode of the distillerytours.scot podcast we travel to the far north of Scotland to the iconic Pulteney Distillery in Wick. As the distillery celebrates its 200th anniversary, David Riddell speaks to Brand Home Senior Host Daniel Ross in the tasting room to explore two centuries of whisky-making heritage.
Sit back, pour yourself a dram, and enjoy the conversation.
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